Piping joint assembly, system and method

ABSTRACT

A piping joint assembly and fastening ring removal tool allow re-use and repair of push-fit piping fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe. The quick connection pipe fitting assembly package of the present invention employs a threaded retaining cap that when removed, exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanism of the fitting or valve. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a removable packing gland mounted on a body about an axis of an orifice. The present invention facilitates re-use of existing fittings and valves by allowing the internal components to be removed, repaired and/or replaced.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/807,072, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,089, entitled “Piping Joint AssemblySystem and Method” filed on May 25, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fluid flow systems, and moreparticularly to a push-fit piping joint assembly, system and method thatfacilitates the repair and re-use of piping system parts.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids (e.g., liquid, gas(such as air) or plasma). For example, homes, schools, medicalfacilities, commercial buildings and other occupied structures generallyrequire integrated piping systems so that water and/or other fluids canbe circulated for a variety of uses. Liquids and/or gases such as coldand hot water, breathable air, glycol, compressed air, inert gases,cleaning chemicals, waste water, plant cooling water and paint andcoatings are just some examples of the types of fluids and gases thatcan be deployed through piping systems. Tubing/piping types can include,for example, copper, stainless steel, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinylchloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene).

Piping connections are necessary to join various pieces of pipe and mustbe versatile in order to adapt to changes of pipe direction required inparticular piping system implementations. For example, fittings andvalves may be employed at the ends of open pieces of pipe that enabletwo pieces of pipe to fit together in a particular configuration. Amongfitting types, there are elbows, “tees”, straight couplings adapted forvarious purposes such as pipe size changes, ends, ball valves, stopvalves, and partial angle connectors, for example.

In the past, pipe elements have been traditionally connected by weldingand/or soldering them together using a torch. Soldering pipe fittingscan be time-consuming, unsafe, and labor intensive. Soldering alsorequires employing numerous materials, such as copper pipes andfittings, emery cloths or pipe-cleaning brushes, flux, silver solder, asoldering torch and striker, a tubing cutter and safety glasses. Theprocess for soldering pipes can proceed by first preparing the pipe tobe soldered, as the copper surface must be clean in order to form a goodjoint. The end of the pipe can be cleaned on the outside with emerycloth or a specially made wire brush. The inside of the fitting must becleaned as well. Next, flux (a type of paste) can be applied to removeoxides and draw molten solder into the joint where the surfaces will bejoined. The brush can be used to coat the inside of the fitting and theoutside of the pipe with the flux. Next, the two pipes are pushedtogether firmly into place so that they “bottom out”—i.e., meet flushinside the fitting. The tip of the solder can be bent to the size of thepipe in order to avoid over-soldering. With the pipes and fitting inplace, the torch is then ignited with the striker or by an auto-strikemechanism to initiate soldering. After heating for a few moments, if thecopper surface is hot enough such that it melts when touched by the endof the solder, the solder can then be applied to the joint seam so thatit runs around the joint and bonds the pipe and fitting together.

In recent years, push-fit technology has been employed with pipingsystems to reduce the dangers and time involved in soldering joints.Push-fit methods require minimal knowledge of pipe fitting and involvefar fewer materials than soldering. For example, one may only need thepipes, quick-connect fittings, a chamfer/de-burring tool and tubingcutter in order to connect pipes using push-fit technology.

The steps involved in connecting piping systems using push-fittechnology can be outlined as follows. First, the pipe is cut to theappropriate length and the end of the pipe is cleaned with thede-burring tool. Then the pipe and fitting are pushed together forconnection. The fitting is provided with a fastening ring (also called acollet, grip ring or grab ring) having teeth that grip the pipe as it isinserted. The fastening ring device is employed to provide opposingenergy, preventing the device from disconnection and creating a positiveseal. Accordingly, no wrenches, clamping, gluing or soldering isinvolved. Push-fit and/or quick-connect technology for piping systemscan be obtained, for example, through Titan Supply Company of Tiverton,R.I., USA, suppliers of the CoPro® line of pipe fittings and relatedproducts.

Past pipe fittings and connection methods do not allow repair forvarious reasons. In some cases, this is because they are factory sealed,for example. In other cases, it is because the separation of the fittingfrom the pipe can damage or induce wear on the parts. For example, somepush-fit pipe fittings provide permanently fixed demounting rings forremoving the fittings. The demounting rings can be depressed axially tolift the fastening ring teeth off of the surface of the inserted pipe,such that the pipe can then be withdrawn. This arrangement can subjectthe pipe fittings to tampering and shorter life, however. In addition,while fastening ring devices work effectively as an opposing retaining,their functionality makes them nearly impossible to dismount, remove ordetach for re-use. The fastening rings are thus permanently affixedunless they are cut and removed, which then destroys the fastening ring.

Whether connected by traditional soldering methods or with push-fitmethods, past efforts have been specifically provided for the connectionof like materials and lack the ability to connect two unlike materials,such as copper with CPVC, PEX or stainless steel, or any othercombination of unlike materials. Past methods further invariably requirethe replacement of fittings and valves, and do not allow re-use of thefittings or valves in instances where only a small internal componentneeds to be repaired or replaced.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides, in part, a pipe fitting assembly packageas well as a removal tool allowing one to re-use push-fit pipingfittings without damage to the fitting elements or the pipe. The presentinvention connects tubing/piping using no tools, clamps, solder orglues, while creating a leak-free seal at the connected joining area.Further, unlike prior methods, the present invention can join both likeand unlike piping elements in any combination.

The quick connection pipe joint assembly package provided as part of thepresent invention employs a threaded retaining cap that when removed,exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanism of the fitting orvalve. This is required to enable the removal of the fitting or valve,exposing the fastening ring. The end cap (also referred to as a glandnot or packing nut) moves axially and transforms rotational movementinto translational movement of the sealing parts (i.e.; packingarrangement) of the present invention. A packing gland, which has anequal slope to the pitch of the fastening ring, supports the fasteningring and has an opposing surface that applies even pressure across thesurface of a ring gasket. In one embodiment, a split washer member isemployed to assist in the assembly and disassembly of the packingarrangement.

The removal device provided as part of the present invention isprimarily employed for the removal and re-use of quick connectionfastening rings used in the connection of tubing, piping and othercylindrical objects. The fastening ring removal device is manuallypushed onto the cylindrical object and expands to traverse over theinstalled fastening ring. Once the fastening ring removal device haspassed over the fastening ring, the device reforms itself to the outsidediameter of the cylindrical object. The fastening ring removal device isthen forced in the direction of the fastening ring and, with a parallelangular surface, lifts the fastening ring from the cylindrical surface,allowing the fastening ring to be pushed to the open end of thecylindrical object. In one embodiment of the present invention, theremoval device has a plurality of cut areas or slits extending axiallyalong its surface to allow for the expansion of the upper rim portion ofthe fastener removal tool as it slides over a remaining fastening ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded front elevation of the removal tool as part of thepiping assembly package of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are exploded front cross-sectional views of a sampleimplementation of the removal tool of the present invention in variousapplication environments.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the removal tool of the presentinvention, along with a fastening ring member and pipe element.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the removal toolof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the removal toolof the present invention, in position behind a fastening ring member,both of which are in position around a pipe element.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded front cross-sectional views of variousembodiments of piping assembly packages as provided in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the push-fit piping joint assembly 10 of the present invention asshown in FIG. 1, elements of the joint assembly as shown include: afitting body 12 with interior threads, a male packing gland 16, afastening ring 18, an O-ring member 14 (Which can be optionallylubricated) and a retaining cap 20 (also referred to as a gland nut orpacking nut) with exterior threads 23 to mate with the threads on thefitting body 12. The packing gland, fastening ring and O-ring membertogether provide one embodiment of a packing arrangement for the presentinvention, and each has an internal diameter that allows for smooth andsnug engagement of a piping or tubing element external surface. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the interior diameter of thepacking gland, fastening ring and O-ring member are substantially thesame as the interior diameter of the end cap body member portion 24. Theend cap body member portion 24 is substantially cylindrical and includesthe threads 23 on the exterior surface as well as a contact edge 29 atthe pipe or valve fitting mating end thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fitting body can beforged CW617N brass, with full porting and full flow fitting, forexample. The packing gland 16 can be made of a polyamide material, andthe lubricant for the O-ring 14 can be a food grade lubricant, forexample. It will be appreciated that the O-ring can comprise a flat ringor washer-type seal member in addition or as an alternative to acircular member of substantially circular cross-section. The fasteningring 18 can be stainless steel, and the fastening ring is capable ofgrabbing the pipe's surface via two or more teeth 19 to ensureconnections cannot be pulled apart. The fastening ring teeth are angleddownward from the perimeter of the ring, toward the fitting and awayfrom the cap, such that when the pipe is inserted, the teeth exert apressure against the pipe to discourage the pipe from slipping or movingback out of the fitting. The male packing gland quickly and easilycreates a sealing surface. No wrenches, solder, welding, glue and/ortwisting and turning the elements are required to form a connection. Thethreaded retaining cap 20 includes a top cap portion 21 that, whenscrewed into the fitting body, provides a positive pressure against themale packing gland 16, which in turn provides sealing energy to theO-ring seal 14. The threaded retaining cap affords a more rigidconnection than plastic type fittings and can be removed to disassemblethe fitting. During removal, a tool such as a specially adapted wrench,for example, can be applied to the outer top surface of the end capmember so as to exert a rotational force that causes the end cap memberto loosen its threaded connection with the piping or valve element. Onceunthreaded, the end cap member then exposes the internal components(e.g., O-ring, packing gland, fastening ring) for removal and/orreplacement.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 through3, the end cap 20 is a removable threaded gland nut mounted on the pipe.As the gland nut is threaded into the fitting or valve, even pressure isapplied at the cap edge 29 to the sealing or packing arrangementassembly, creating mechanical force on the O-ring to compress the O-ringevenly. Once compressed, the O-ring increases its sealing surface alongthe tubing/pipe member, thereby increasing the amount of pressureexerted by the O-ring to the sealed surface. The packing gland supportsthe fastening ring 18 and has an opposing surface that applies evenpressure across the surface of the ring gasket or O-ring member 18, FIG.3 shows an arrangement of the present invention wherein a ball valve 30is employed instead of fitting member 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the present invention can further include awasher member 25 between the cap 20 and the fastening ring 18. Thewasher member 25 includes a cap-engaging portion 26 and a fasteningring-engaging portion 27. The cap-engaging portion 26 is of greaterdiameter than the fastening ring-engaging portion 27 in one embodimentof the present invention, thereby forming a frusto-conical shape with anangled outer surface 28 for mating with the fastening ring teeth. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the washer member 25 is a splitring washer having a gap to facilitate physical adjustments involved inpositioning the washer member around the pipe for assembly and removal.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the removal tool 40 provided as part of thepresent invention can be used to remove fastening rings safely andeffectively for re-use and repair of piping system parts. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the tool 40 comprises a generallyfrusta-conically shaped hollow body 41 having a base portion 42 and atop rim portion 44, with a lower base outer platform 43 extendingoutwardly from the base, and with the rim portion 44 being angledupwardly from a lateral edge 45 to a peak 46, such that the peak definesthe circumference of a substantially circular opening 48 that extendsthrough the body to make it hollow. The area from the edge to the peakis a rim pushing surface 47 for mating with the fastening ring 18 (orwasher member 25 in one embodiment of the present invention). The rimpushing surface 47 extends at an angle to the axis A of the pipe that issubstantially identical to the angle of the fastener ring teeth 19.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the removal tool 40 has aplurality of slits or cut areas 49 extending axially therealong to allowfor the expansion of the size of the fastener removal tool as it slidesover a remaining fastening ring. Once over the fastening ring, thedismountable connection device clamps to the surface of the cylindricalobject. In this way, it will be appreciated that only one removal toolis required for all sizes of pipes and clips. When pressure is appliedagainst the fastening ring using the removal tool, the pushing surface47 lifts the fastening ring from the surface of the cylinder. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the cap can be used to applypressure to the removal tool.

Operation of the Removal Tool

In operation of one embodiment of the removal tool of the presentinvention, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the fastening ring removal device 40is manually pushed onto the cylindrical object, and expands to traverseover the installed fastening ring 18. Once the fastening ring removaldevice has passed over the fastening ring, the device reforms itself tothe outside surface of the cylindrical object 11. The fastening ringremoval device 40 is then forced in the direction of the fastening ringwith a parallel angular surface 47 that lifts the fastening ring fromthe cylindrical surface, allowing the fastening ring to be pushed to theopen end of the cylindrical object 11. Unscrewing the threaded retainingcap 20 exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanism of thefitting 12 (FIG. 7) or valve 30 (FIG. 8). This is required to enable theremoval of the fitting or valve, exposing the fastening ring.

As continual pressure is applied to the pushing surface of the device,the guiding unit guides the pusher along the axis, applying pressureagainst the fastening ring prongs so as to remove the fastening ringfrom the cylinder. The removal device is then removed from the surfaceto allow for reuse of the quick connection fitting and cylinder.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. A piping joint assembly package for securely and removablymaintaining piping elements together, comprising: a body member havingat least one pipe receiving end, said body member being at leastpartially hollow and internally threaded at the pipe receiving end; ahollow end cap member having a cap portion and a substantiallycylindrical body portion extending from the cap portion to a contactedge, the body portion being externally threaded; a packing arrangementsecured between the body member and the end cap, the packing arrangementincluding a hallow O-ring, a hollow packing gland, and a hollowfastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly from andalong the circumference of the ring; and a fastening ring member removaltool comprising a generally frusto-conically shaped hollow body having abase portion and a top rim portion, said body having a lower base outerplatform extending outwardly from the base, said rim portion beingangled upwardly from a lateral edge to a peak, such that the peakdefines the circumference of a substantially circular opening thatextends through the body to make the body hollow.
 2. The package ofclaim 1 wherein the packing arrangement further includes a washer memberthat is substantially frusto-conical in shape with a cap-engagingsurface and a fastener ring-engaging surface, with the cap-engagingsurface being of larger diameter than the fastener ring-engagingsurface.
 3. The package of claim 2 wherein the washer member is a splitring washer.
 4. The package of claim 1 wherein the end cap member can beused to apply force to the removal tool.
 5. The package of claim 1wherein the packing arrangement can be removed from the body member, anda portion of the packing arrangement can be replaced or repaired, suchthat the body member can be re-used when the packing arrangement isre-assembled with the body member and end cap member.
 6. The package ofclaim 1 wherein the end cap member cap portion includes an outer topsurface adapted for engagement by external force so as to exert arotational force that causes the end cap member to tighten or loosen itsthreaded connection with the body member.
 7. A method for assembling apipe joint assembly so as to facilitate re-use of a fitting or valvebody member, comprising the steps of: providing a body member having atleast one pipe receiving end, said body member being at least partiallyhollow and internally threaded at the pipe receiving end; providing ahollow end cap member having a cap portion and a substantiallycylindrical body portion extending from the cap portion to a contactedge, the body portion being externally threaded; providing a packingarrangement secured between the body member and the end cap, the packingarrangement including a hollow O-ring, a hollow packing gland, and ahollow fastening ring having a plurality of teeth angled inwardly fromand along the circumference of the ring; and, providing a fastening ringmember removal tool comprising a generally frusto-conically shapedhollow body having a base portion and a top rim portion, with the bodyhaving a lower base outer platform extending outwardly from the base,and with the rim portion being angled upwardly from a lateral edge to apeak, such that the peak defines the circumference of a substantiallycircular opening that extends through the body to make the body hollow.8. The method of claim 7 wherein the packing arrangement is providedsuch that one or more of the fastening ring, packing gland, and O-ringcan be removed when the end cap member is unscrewed from the bodymember.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the packing arrangementincludes a washer member comprising a split ring washer.
 10. The methodof claim 9 wherein the washer member is substantially frusto-conical inshape with a cap-engaging surface and a fastener ring-engaging surface,with the cap-engaging surface being of larger diameter than the fastenerring-engaging surface.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein the end capmember cap portion includes an outer top surface adapted for engagementby external force so as to exert a rotational force that causes the endcap member to tighten or loosen its threaded connection with the bodymember.
 12. A piping joint assembly, comprising: a body member forreceiving a piping element; a hollow end cap member capable of engagingthe body member; a packing arrangement secured between the body memberand the end cap member, the packing arrangement including a hollowO-ring, a hollow packing gland, and a hollow fastening ring having aplurality of teeth angled inwardly from and along the circumference ofthe ring; and a fastening ring member removal tool comprising agenerally frusto-conically shaped hollow body having a base portion anda top rim portion, said body having a lower base outer platformextending outwardly from the base, said rim portion being angledupwardly from a lateral edge to a peak, such that the peak defines thecircumference of a substantially circular opening that extends throughthe body to make the body hollow.
 13. The piping joint assembly of claim12 wherein the packing arrangement includes a washer member comprising asplit ring washer.
 14. The piping joint assembly of claim 13 wherein thewasher member is substantially frusto-conical in shape.
 15. The pipingjoint assembly of claim 13 wherein the washer member includes acap-engaging surface and a fastener ring-engaging surface, with thecap-engaging surface being of larger diameter than the fastenerring-engaging surface.